(20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl and 2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D3 and their uses

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D 3  and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D 3  and pharmaceutical uses therefor. These compounds exhibit pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. These compounds also have very significant calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat immune disorders in humans as well as metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/127,180 filed Apr. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,811.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to vitamin D compounds, and more particularly to the pro-drugs (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl and 2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and their pharmaceutical uses.

The natural hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and its analog in ergosterol series, i.e. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₂ are known to be highly potent regulators of calcium homeostasis in animals and humans, and their activity in cellular differentiation has also been established, Ostrem et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84, 2610 (1987). Many structural analogs of these metabolites have been prepared and tested, including 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂, various side chain homologated vitamins and fluorinated analogs. Some of these compounds exhibit an interesting separation of activities in cell differentiation and calcium regulation. This difference in activity may be useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases as renal osteodystrophy, vitamin D-resistant rickets, osteoporosis, psoriasis, and certain malignancies.

Recently, a new class of vitamin D analogs has been discovered, i.e. the so called 19-nor-vitamin D compounds, which are characterized by the replacement of the A-ring exocyclic methylene group (carbon 19), typical of the vitamin D system, by two hydrogen atoms. Biological testing of such 19-nor-analogs (e.g., 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₃) revealed a selective activity profile with high potency in inducing cellular differentiation, and very low calcium mobilizing activity. Thus, these compounds are potentially useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of malignancies, or the treatment of various skin disorders. Two different methods of synthesis of such 19-nor-vitamin D analogs have been described (Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 31, 1823 (1990); Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991), and DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191).

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,634, 2β-hydroxy and alkoxy (e.g., ED-71) analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ have been described and examined by Chugai group as potential drugs for osteoporosis and as antitumor agents. See also Okano et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 163, 1444 (1989). Other 2-substituted (with hydroxyalkyl, e.g., ED-120, and fluoroalkyl groups) A-ring analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ have also been prepared and tested (Miyamoto et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 41, 1111 (1993); Nishii et al., Osteoporosis Int. Suppl. 1, 190 (1993); Posner et al., J. Org. Chem. 59, 7855 (1994), and J. Org. Chem. 60, 4617 (1995)).

Recently, 2-substituted analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D₃ have also been synthesized, i.e. compounds substituted at 2-position with hydroxy or alkoxy groups (DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713), with 2-alkyl groups (DeLuca et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,410), and with 2-alkylidene groups (DeLuca et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,928), which exhibit interesting and selective activity profiles. All these studies indicate that binding sites in vitamin D receptors can accommodate different substituents at C-2 in the synthesized vitamin D analogs.

In a continuing effort to explore the 19-nor class of pharmacologically important vitamin D compounds, two analogs which are characterized by the presence of a methyl substituent at the carbon 2 (C-2) and the absence of a hydroxyl group at carbon 25 (C-25) in the side chain have been synthesized and tested. These two analogs are characterized by a hydroxyl group at carbon 1 and a vitamin D₃ side chain with the methyl group attached to carbon 20 in the unnatural or epi orientation, i.e. (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl and 25-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃. These vitamin D analogs seemed interesting targets because the relatively small methyl group at C-2 should not interfere with the vitamin D receptor. Moreover, molecular mechanics studies seem to indicate that such molecular modification substantially alters the conformation of the cyclohexanediol ring A, shifting its conformational equilibrium toward the chair form with equatorially oriented methyl substituent at C-2.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward the pro-drugs (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ (formula Ia below) and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ (formula Ib below), their biological activity, and various pharmaceutical uses for these compounds.

Structurally these 2α-methyl and 20-methyl 19-nor analogs are characterized by formula Ia and Ib, respectively shown below:

The above two compounds exhibit a desired, and highly advantageous, pattern of biological activity. These compounds do not bind or bind poorly to the vitamin D receptor. However, the 2α-methyl compound has greater intestinal calcium transport activity, as compared to that of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, and has greater ability to mobilize calcium from bone, as compared to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. The 2β-methyl compound has intestinal calcium transport activity and bone calcium mobilization activity about the same as 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. Hence, these compounds can be characterized as having very potent calcemic activity, and are highly specific in their calcemic activity. Their activity on mobilizing calcium from bone and either high or normal intestinal calcium transport activity allows the in vivo administration of these compounds for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases where bone loss is a major concern. Because of their activity on bone, these compounds would be preferred therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, such as osteoporosis, especially low bone turnover osteoporosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis or postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as osteomalacia.

The compounds of the invention have also been discovered to be especially suited for treatment and prophylaxis of human disorders which are characterized by an imbalance in the immune system, e.g. in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, lupis, diabetes mellitus, host versus graft reaction, and rejection of organ transplants; and additionally for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as celiac disease and Crohns disease. Acne, alopecia and hypertension are other conditions which may be treated with the compounds of the invention.

The above compounds are also characterized by high or significant cell differentiation activity. Thus, these compounds also provide a therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis, or as an anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, due to their relatively high cell differentiation activity, these compounds provide a therapeutic agent for the treatment of various skin conditions including wrinkles, lack of adequate dermal hydration, i.e. dry skin, lack of adequate skin firmness, i.e. slack skin, and insufficient sebum secretion. Use of these compounds thus not only results in moisturizing of skin but also improves the barrier function of skin.

The compounds may be present in a composition to treat the above-noted diseases and disorders in an amount from about 0.01 μg/gm to about 100 μg/gm of the composition, and may be administered topically, transdermally, orally or parenterally in dosages of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 100 μg/day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the relative activity of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃, (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃, and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ to compete for binding of [³H]-1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ to the vitamin D pig intestinal nuclear receptor; and

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the percent HL-60 cell differentiation as a function of the concentration of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃, (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃, and of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20S)-1α-Hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ were synthesized and tested. Structurally, these 19-nor analogs are characterized by the formula Ia and Ib, respectively, previously illustrated herein.

The preparation of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl- and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ having structures Ia and Ib can be accomplished by a common general method, i.e. the condensation of a bicyclic Windaus-Grundmann type ketone II with the allylic phosphine oxide III to the corresponding 2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D analog IV followed by deprotection of hydroxyls at C-1 and C-3 in the latter compound; and then followed by a selective reduction of the exomethylene group at C-2 in compound V to provide the 2α-methyl isomer (Ia) and 2β-methyl isomer (Ib):

In the structures III and IV groups Y₁ and Y₂ are hydroxy-protecting groups, preferably tBuMe₂Si groups, it being also understood that any functionalities that might be sensitive, or that interfere with the condensation reaction, be suitably protected as is well-known in the art. The process shown above represents an application of the convergent synthesis concept, which has been applied effectively for the preparation of vitamin D compounds [e.g. Lythgoe et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 590 (1978); Lythgoe, Chem. Soc. Rev. 9, 449 (1983); Toh et al., J. Org. Chem. 48, 1414 (1983); Baggiolini et al., J. Org. Chem. 51, 3098 (1986); Sardina et al., J. Org. Chem. 51, 1264 (1986); J. Org. Chem. 51, 1269 (1986); DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191; DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,713].

A hydrindanone of the structure II is a new compound that can be prepared from commercial vitamin D₂ by modification of known methods. Thus, the starting alcohol 1 was prepared from commercial vitamin D₂ in 3 steps (Scheme 1). The resulting C-22 alcohol 1 was oxidized to the aldehyde 2, which then was equilibrated at C-20. The mixture of (20R)- and (20S)-aldehydes was reduced and (20R)-alcohol 3 was isolated by chromatography. This, in turn, was tosylated and the tosylate 4 coupled with the Grignard reagent 5 in the presence of dilithium tetrachlorocuprate. The obtained hydrindanol 6 was oxidized to the new (20S)-Grundmann ketone analog II.

For the preparation of the required phosphine oxides of general structure III, a new synthetic route has been developed starting from a methyl quinicate derivative which is easily obtained from commercial (1R,3R,4S,5R)-(−)-quinic acid as described by Perlman et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32, 7663 (1991) and DeLuca et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,191.

The final step of the process is the selective homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of the exomethylene unit at carbon 2 in the vitamin V performed efficiently in the presence of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride [Wilkinson's catalyst, (Ph₃P)₃RhCl]. Such reduction conditions allowed to reduce only C(2)=CH₂ unit leaving C(5)–C(8) butadiene moiety unaffected. The isolated material is an epimeric mixture (ca. 1:1) of 2-methyl-19-nor-vitamins Ia and Ib differing in configuration at C-2. The mixture can be used without separation or, if desired, the individual 2α- and 2β-isomers can be separated by an efficient HPLC system.

The overall process of the synthesis of compounds Ia and Ib is illustrated and described more completely in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,410 entitled “2-Alkyl-19-Nor-Vitamin D Compounds” the specification of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Specifically, the preparation of hydrindanone II is described hereinafter and illustrated in Scheme I. The final steps of the convergent synthesis, i.e. the coupling of this compound with phosphine oxide 7 followed by hydroxyl deprotection in the vitamin D compound 8 and reduction/hydrogenation of the exomethylene unit in 2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D compound V is also hereinafter described and illustrated in Scheme 2.

Preparation of (20S)-de-A,B-8β-benzoyloxy-20-(hydroxymethyl)pregnane (1)

The starting alcohol 1 was prepared from commercial vitamin D₂ in 70% yield, according to the procedure published by J. C. Hanekamp, R. B. Rookhuizen, H. J. T. Bos, L. Brandsma Tetrahedron, 1992, 48, 9283–9294.

Ozone was passed through a solution of vitamin D₂ (3 g, 7.6 mmol) in methanol (250 mL) and pyridine (2.44 g, 2.5 mL, 31 mmol) for 0.50 min at −78° C. The reaction mixture was then flushed with an oxygen for 15 min to remove the residual ozone and the solution was treated with NaBH₄ (0.75 g, 20 mmol). After 20 min the second portion of NaBH₄ (0.75 g, 20 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The third portion of NaBH₄ (0.75 g, 20 mmol) was then added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h. The reaction was quenched with water (40 mL) and the solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×80 mL) and the combined organic phase was washed with 1M aq. HCl, saturated aq. NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (75:25) to give (20S)-de-A,B-20-(hydroxymethyl)pregnan-8β-ol (1.21 g, 75% yield) as white crystals.

Benzoyl chloride (2.4 g, 2 mL, 17 mmol) was added to a solution of the 8β,20-diol (1.2 g, 5.7 mmol) and DMAP (30 mg, 0.2 mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (20 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 24 h, diluted with methylene chloride (100 mL), washed with 5% aq. HCl, water, saturated aq. NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue (3.39 g) was treated with solution of KOH (1 g, 15.5 mmol) in anhydrous ethanol (30 mL) at room temperature. After stirring of the reaction mixture for 3 h, ice and 5% aq. HCl were added until pH=6. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL) and the combined organic phase was washed with saturated aq. NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (75:25) to give the alcohol 1 (1.67 g, 93% yield) as a colorless oil: [α]_(D)+56.0 (c 0.48, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 8.08–8.02 (2H, m, o-H_(Bz)), 7.59–7.53 (1H, m, p-H_(Bz)), 7.50–7.40 (2H, m, m-H_(Bz)), 5.42 (1H, d, J=2.4 Hz, 8α-H), 3.65 (1H, dd, J=10.5, 3.2 Hz, 22-H), 3.39 (1H, dd, J=10.5, 6.8 Hz, 22-H), 1.08 (3H, d, J=5.3 Hz, 21-H₃), 1.07 (3H, s, 18-H₃); ¹³C NMR (125 MHz) δ 166.70 (s, C═O), 132.93 (d, p-C_(Bz)), 131.04 (s, i-C_(Bz)), 129.75 (d, o-C_(Bz)), 128.57 (d, m-C_(Bz)), 72.27 (d, C-8), 67.95 (t, C-22), 52.96 (d), 51.60 (d), 42.15 (s, C-13), 39.98 (t), 38.61 (d), 30.73 (t), 26.81 (t), 22.91 (t), 18.20 (t), 16.87 (q, C-21), 13.81 (q, C-18); MS (EI) m/z 316 (5, M⁺), 301 (3, M⁺-Me), 299 (1, M⁺-OH), 298 (2, M⁺-H₂O), 285 (10, M⁺-CH₂OH), 257 (6), 230 (9), 194 (80), 135 (84), 105 (100); exact mass calculated for C₂₀H₂₈O₃ 316.2038, found 316.2019.

Preparation of (20S)-de-A,B-8β-benzoyloxy-20-formylpregnane (2)

A mixture of alcohol 1 (1.63 g, 5.2 mmol), pyridinium dichromate (6.05 g, 16.1 mmol) and pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (100 mg, 0.4 mmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The resulting suspension was filtered through a short layer of Celite. The adsorbent was washed with ether, solvents were removed under reduced pressure and a residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (90:10) to give the aldehyde 2 (1.36 g, 83% yield) as an oil: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 9.60 (1H, d, J=3.1 Hz, CHO), 8.05 (2H, m, o-H_(Bz)), 7.57 (1H, m, p-H_(Bz)), 7.45 (2H, m, m-H_(Bz)), 5.44 (1H, s, 8α-H), 2.39 (1H, m, 20-H), 2.03 (2H, dm, J=11.5 Hz), 1.15 (3H, d, J=6.9 Hz, 21-H₃), 1.10 (3H, s, 18-H₃); MS (EI) m/z 314 (1, M⁺), 299 (0.5, M⁺-Me), 286 (1, M⁺-CO), 285 (5, M⁺-CHO), 257 (1, M⁺-C₃H₅O), 209 (10, M⁺-PhCO), 192 (38), 134 (60), 105 (100), 77 (50); exact mass calculated for C₂₀H₂₆O₃ 314.1882, found 314.1887.

Preparation of (20R)-de-A,B-8β-benzoyloxy-20-(hydroxymethyl)pregnane (3)

The aldehyde 2 (1.36 g, 4.3 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) and a 40% aq. n-Bu₄NOH solution (5.6 mL, 5.57 g, 8.6 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, diluted with methylene chloride (30 mL), washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. A residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (95:5) to afford a mixture of aldehyde 2 and its 20-epimer (730 mg, 53% yield) in ca. 1:1.7 ratio (by ¹H NMR).

This mixture of aldehydes (730 mg, 2.3 mmol) was dissolved in THF (5 mL) and NaBH₄ (175 mg, 4.6 mmol) was added, followed by a dropwise addition of ethanol (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and it was quenched with a saturated aq. NH₄Cl solution. The mixture was extracted with ether (3×30 mL) and the combined organic phase was washed with with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (95:5→80:20) to give the desired, pure (20R)-alcohol 3 (366 mg, 52% yield) as an oil and a mixture of 3 and its 20-epimer 1 (325 mg, 45% yield) in ca. 1:4 ratio (by ¹H NMR).

3: [α]_(D)+43.0 (c 0.54, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 8.10–8.00 (2H, m, o-H_(Bz)), 7.60–7.53 (1H, m, p-H_(Bz)), 7.48–7.41 (2H, m, m-H_(Bz)), 5.42 (1H, br s, 8α-H), 3.75 (1H, dd, J=10.6, 3.5 Hz, 22-H), 3.48 (1H, dd, J=10.6, 7.0 Hz, 22-H), 1.069 (3H, s, 18-H₃), 0.973 (3H, d, J=6.7 Hz, 21-H₃); ¹³C NMR (125 MHz) δ 166.70 (s, C═O), 132.94 (d, p-C_(Bz)), 131.05 (s, i-C_(Bz)), 1+29.76 (d, o-C_(Bz)), 128.59 (d, m-C_(Bz)), 72.28 (di C-8), 66.95 (t, C-22), 52.94 (d), 51.77 (d), 41.96 (s, C-13), 39.56 (t), 37.78 (d), 30.75 (t), 26.67 (t), 22.71 (t), 18.25 (t), 16.76 (q, C-21), 14.14 (q, C-18); MS (EI) m/z 316 (16, M⁺), 301 (5, M⁺-Me), 299 (2, M⁺-OH), 298 (3, M⁺-H₂O), 285 (9, M⁺-CH₂OH), 257 (5), 242 (11), 230 (8), 194 (60), 147 (71), 105 (100); exact mass calculated for C₂₀H₂₈O₃ 316.2038, found 316.2050.

Preparation of (20R)-de-A,B-8-benzoyloxy-20-[(p-toluenesulfonyl)oxymethyl]pregnane (4)

To a stirred solution of the alcohol 3 (393 mg, 1.24 mmol), DMAP (10 mg, 0.08 mmol) and Et₃N (0.7 mL, 0.51 g, 5.04 mmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (10 mL) was added p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (320 mg, 1.68 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature (4 h) and stirring was continued for additional 22 h. Methylene chloride (60 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with a saturated aq. NaHCO₃ solution, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. A residue was chromatographed on silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate (95:5) to afford a tosylate 4 (533 mg, 91% yield) as a colorless oil: [α]_(D)=+15.0 (c 0.54, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 8.02 (2H, m, o-H_(Bz)), 7.80 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, o-H_(Ts)), 7.55 (1H, m, p-H_(Bz)), 7.44 (2H, m, m-H_(Bz)), 7.35 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz, m-H_(Ts)), 5.39 (1H, br s, 8α-H), 4.15 (1H, dd, J=9.4, 3.4 Hz, 22-H), 3.83 (1H, dd, J=9.4, 7.1 Hz, 22-H), 2.457 (3H, s, Me_(Ts)), 1.98 (1H, m), 0.978 (3H, s, 18-H₃), 0.898 (3H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 21-H₃); ¹³C NMR (125 MHz) δ 166.60 (s, C═O), 144.87 (s, p-C_(Ts)), 133.35 (s, i-C_(Ts)), 132.98 (d, p-C_(Bz)), 130.94 (s, i-C_(Bz)), 129.9.7 (d, m-C_(Ts)), 129.72 (d, o-C_(Bz)), 128.58 (d, m-C_(Bz)), 128.13 (d, o-C_(Ts)), 74.21 (t, C-22), 72.03 (d, C-8), 52.44 (d), 51.52 (d), 41.82 (s, C-13), 39.30 (t), 35.00 (d), 30.57 (t), 26.56 (t), 22.54 (t), 21.85 (q, Me_(Ts)), 18.12 (t), 16.85 (q, C-21), 14.09 (q, C-18); MS (EI) m/z 470 (1, M⁺), 365 (33, M⁺-PhCO), 348 (64, M⁺-PhCOOH), 193 (52), 176 (71), 134 (72), 105 (100); exact mass calculated for C₂₇H₃₄O₅S 470.2127, found 470.2091.

Preparation of (20S)-de-A,B-cholestan-8β-ol (6)

Magnesium turnings (1.32 g, 55 mmol), 1-chloro-3-methylbutane (3.3 mL, 2.9 g, 27.2 mmol) and iodine (2 crystals) were refluxed in anhydrous THF (18 mL) for 10 h. The solution of the formed Grignard reagent 5 was cooled to −78° C. and added dropwise via cannula to a solution of the tosylate 4 (348 mg, 0.74 mmol) in anhydrous THF (5 mL) at −78° C. Then 6 mL of the solution of Li₂CuCl₄ [prepared by dissolving of a dry LiCl (232 mg, 5.46 mmol) and dry CuCl₂ (368 mg, 2.75 mmol) in anhydrous THF (27 mL)] was added dropwise via cannula to the reaction mixture at −78° C. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h and then poured into 1M aq. H₂SO₄ solution (25 mL) containing ice (ca. 100 g). The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (3×50 mL) and the combined organic layers were washed with saturated aq. NH₄Cl, saturated aq. NaHCO₃, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with chloroform to give alcohol 6 (149 mg, 76% yield) as a colorless oil: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 4.07 (1H, d, J=2.2 Hz, 8α-H), 1.98 (1H, dm, J=13.1 Hz), 0.93 (3H, s, 18-H₃), 0.86 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.81 (3H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 21-H₃); ¹³C NMR (125 MHz) δ 69.41 (d, C-8), 56.27 (d), 52.62 (d), 41.84 (s, C-13), 40.28 (t), 39.38 (t), 35.40 (t), 34.83 (d), 33.51 (t), 28.03 (d), 27.10 (t), 23.93 (t), 22.72 (q, C-26/27), 22.63 (q, C-26/27), 22.40 (t), 18.53 (q, C-21), 17.47 (t), 13.73 (q, C-18); MS (EI) m/z 266 (7, M⁺), 251 (6, M⁺-Me), 248 (2, M⁺-H₂O), 233 (4, M⁺-Me-H₂O), 163 (6), 152(11), 135 (38), 111 (100); exact mass calculated for C₁₈H₃₄O 266.2610, found 266.2601.

Preparation of (20S)-de-A,B-cholestan-8-one (II)

Pyridinium dichromate (90 mg, 239 μmol) was added to a solution of the alcohol 6 (15 mg, 56 μmol) and pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (2 mg, 8 μmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (6 mL). The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through a Waters silica Sep-Pak cartridge (2 g) that was further Washed with CHCl₃. After removal of solvents ketone II (13 mg, 88% yield) was obtained as a colorless oil: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 2.46 (1H, dd, J=11.5, 7.6 Hz), 0.89 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.87 (3H, d, J=6.1 Hz, 21-H₃), 0.65 (3H, s, 18-H₃); MS (EI) m/z 264 (41, M⁺), 249 (37, M⁺-Me), 246 (3, M⁺-H₂O), 231 (3, M⁺-Me-H₂O), 221 (50, M⁺-C₃H₇), 152 (34), 125 (100), 111 (69); exact mass calculated for C₁₈H₃₂O 264.2453, found 264.2454.

Preparation of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-19-norvitamin D₃ (V)

To a solution of phosphine oxide 7 (34 mg, 58 μmol) in anhydrous THF (450 μL) at −20° C. was slowly added PhLi (1.7 M in cyclohexane-ether, 75 μL, 128 μmol) under argon with stirring. The solution turned deep orange. After 30 min the mixture was cooled to −78° C. and a precooled (−78° C.) solution of ketone II (12 mg, 45 μmol) in anhydrous THF (200+100 μL) was slowly added. The mixture was stirred under argon at −78° C. for 3 h and at 0° C. for 18 h. Ethyl acetate was added, and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in hexane and applied on a Waters silica Sep-Pak cartridge (2 g). The cartridge was washed with hexane and hexane/ethyl acetate (99.5:0.5) to give 19-norvitamin derivative 8 (12 mg). The Sep-Pak was then washed with hexane/ethyl acetate (96:4) to recover the unchanged C,D-ring ketone II (7 mg), and with ethyl acetate to recover diphenylphosphine oxide 7 (19 mg). The protected vitamin 8 was further purified by HPLC (10×250 mm Zorbax-Silica column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (99.9:0.1) solvent system. Pure compound 8 (10 mg, 36% yield) was eluted at R_(V)=15 mL as a colorless oil: UV (in hexane) λ_(max) 262.5, 252.5, 243.5 nm; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.21 and 5.82 (1H and 1H, each d, J=11.1 Hz, 6- and 7-H), 4.95 and 4.90 (1H and 1H, each s, ═CH₂), 4.41 (2H, m, 1β- and 3α-H), 2.80 (1H, dd, J=11.9, 3.5 Hz, 9β-H), 2.49 (1H, dd, J=13.2, 6.0 Hz, 10α-H), 2.44 (H, dd, J=12.7, 4.6 Hz, 4α-H), 2.32 (1H, dd, J=13.2, 3.1 Hz, 10β-H), 2.16 (1H, dd, J=12.7, 8.2 Hz, 4β-H), 1.98 (2H, m), 1.84 (1H, m), 0.876 (9H, s, Si-t-Bu), 0.851 (6H, d, J=6.0 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.845 (9H, s, Si-t-Bu), 0.820 (3H, d, J=6.5 Hz, 21-H₃), 0.521 (3H, s, 18-H₃), 0.060, 0.046, 0.029 and 0.006 (each 3H, each s, 4×Si—CH₃); MS (EI) m/z 628 (3, M⁺), 613 (1, M⁺-Me), 571 (3, M⁺-t-Bu), 496 (63, M⁺-t-BuMe₂SiOH), 383 (4, M⁺-t-BuMe₂SiOH—C₈H₁₇), 366 (21), 234 (20), 129 (41), 75 (100); exact mass calculated for C₃₉H₇₂O₂Si₂ 628.5071, found 628.5068.

Protected vitamin 8 (10 mg, 16 μmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (3 mL) and a solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1 M in THF, 160 μL, 160 μmol) was added, followed by freshly activated molecular sieves 4A (300 mg). The mixture was stirred under argon at room temperature for 2 h, then diluted with 2 mL of hexane/ethyl acetate (6:4) and applied on a Waters silica Sep-Pak cartridge (2 g). Elution with the same solvent system gave the crude product V that was further purified by HPLC (10×250 mm Zorbax-Silica column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) solvent system. Analytically pure 2-methylene-19-norvitamin V (3.3 mg, 52% yield) was collected at R_(V)=32 mL as a colorless oil: UV (in EtOH) λ_(max) 261.5, 251.5, 243.5 nm; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 6.36 and 5.88 (1H and 1H, each d, J=11.3 Hz, 6- and 7-H), 5.11 and 5.09 (each 1H, each s, ═CH₂), 4.47 (2H, m, 1β- and 3α-H), 2.85 (1H, dd, J=13.4, 4.6 Hz, 10β-H), 2.81 (1H, br d, J=13.9 Hz, 9β-H), 2.58 (1H, dd, J=13.2, 3.7 Hz, 4α-H), 2.33 (1H, dd, J=13.2, 6.1 Hz, 4β-H), 2.29 (1H, dd, J=13.4, 8.4 Hz, 10α-H), 1.99 (2H, m), 1.86 (1H, m), 0.867 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.839 (3H, d, J=6.5 Hz, 21-H₃), 0.547 (3H, s, 18-H₃); MS (EI) m/z 400 (100, M⁺), 385 (5, M⁺-Me), 382 (16, M⁺-H₂O), 367 (6, M⁺-Me-H₂O), 349 (3, M⁺-Me-2H₂O), 315 (46), 287 (56, M⁺-C₈H₁₇), 269 (52), 247 (42); exact mass calculated for C₂₇H₄₄O₂ 400.3341, found 400.3346.

Preparation of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-norvitamin D₃ (Ia) and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-213-methyl-19-norvitamin D₃ (Ib)

Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium (I) chloride (3.5 mg, 3.8 μmol) was added to dry benzene (2.5 mL) presaturated with hydrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a homogeneous solution was formed (ca. 45 min). A solution of vitamin V (1.8 mg, 4.5 μmol) in dry benzene (400+400 μL) was then added and the reaction was allowed to proceed under a continuous stream of hydrogen for 3 h. Benzene was removed under vacuum, the residue was redissolved in hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1) and applied on a Waters silica Sep-Pak cartridge (2 g). A mixture of 2-methyl vitamins was eluted with the same solvent system. The compounds were further purified by HPLC (10×250 mm Zorbax-Silica column, 4 mL/min) using hexane/2-propanol (9:1) solvent system. The mixture of 2-methyl-19-norvitamins Ia and Ib gave a single peak at R_(V)=34 mL. Separation of both epimers was achieved by reversed-phase HPLC (10×250 mm Chromegabond C18 column, 3 mL/min) using methanol/water (9:1) solvent system. 2β-Methyl vitamin Ib (280 μg, 15% yield) was collected at R_(V)=47 mL and its 2α-epimer Ia (382 μg, 21% yield) at R_(V)=51 mL.

Ia: UV (in EtOH) λ_(max) 260.5, 250.5, 242.5 nm; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 6.37 and 5.82 (1H and 1H, each d, J=11.1 Hz, 6- and 7-H), 3.96 (1H, m, w/2=14 Hz, 1β-H), 3.61 (1H, m, w/2=20 Hz, 3α-H), 2.80 (2H, br m, 9β- and 10α-H), 2.60 (1H, dd, J=13.0, 4.5 Hz, 4α-H), 2.22 (1H, br d, J=12.8 Hz, 10β-H), 2.13 (1H, ˜t, J=13.0 Hz, 4β-H), 1.133 (3H, d, J=6.8 Hz, 2α-CH₃), 0.866 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.833 (3H, d, J=6.4 Hz, 21-H₃), 0.530 (3H, s, 18-H₃); MS (EI) m/z 402 (100, M⁺), 387 (4, M⁺-Me), 384 (7, M⁺-H₂O), 369 (3, M⁺-Me-H₂O), 317 (24), 289 (60, M⁺-C₈H₁₇), 271 (33), 259 (40), 247 (63); exact mass calculated for C₂₇H₄₆O₂ 402.3498, found 402.3496.

Ib: UV (in EtOH) λ_(max) 260.5, 250.0, 242.0 nm; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃+TMS) δ 6.26 and 5.87 (1H and 1H, each d, J=11.3 Hz, 6-H and 7-H), 3.90 (1H, m, w/2=14 Hz, 3α-H), 3.50 (1H, m, w/2=26 Hz, 1β-H), 3.08 (1H, dd, J=12.6, 4.3 Hz, 10β-H), 2.80 (1H, dd, J=12.5, 3.8 Hz, 9β-H), 2.43 (1H, br d, J=ca. 14 Hz, 4α-H), 2.34 (1H, dd, J=13.9, 3.0 Hz, 4β-H), 1.143 (3H, d, J=6.8 Hz, 2β-CH₃), 0.867 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz, 26- and 27-H₃), 0.839 (3H, d, J=6.5 Hz, 21-H₃), 0.543 (3H, s, 18-H₃); MS (EI) m/z 402 (100, M⁺), 387 (8, M⁺-Me), 384 (8, M⁺-H₂O), 369 (5, M⁺-Me-H₂O), 317 (42), 289 (88, M⁺-C₈H₁₇), 271 (52), 259 (55), 247 (66); exact mass calculated for C₂₇H₄₆O₂ 402.3498, found 402.3486.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF (20S)-1α-HYDROXY-2α-METHYL AND 2β-METHYL-19-NOR-VITAMIN D₃

The 2β-methyl-(20S)-1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ does not bind to the vitamin D receptor, while the 2α-methyl-(20S)-1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ binds the receptor but at a 100-fold less affinity than 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25-(OH)₂D₃) (FIG. 1). The absence of a 25-hydroxyl group in these compounds is largely responsible (see Eisman, J. A. and H. F. DeLuca, Steroids 30, 245–257, 1977) for this diminished activity. Importantly, the 2α-methyl derivative is superior to the 2β-methyl analog in binding to the receptor.

Surprisingly, FIG. 2 illustrates (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ is almost as potent as 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ on HL-60 differentiation, making it an excellent candidate for the treatment of psoriasis and cancer, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, due to its relatively high cell differentiation activity, this compound provides a therapeutic agent for the treatment of various skin conditions including wrinkles, lack of adequate dermal hydration, i.e. dry skin, lack of adequate skin firmness, i.e. slack skin, and insufficient sebum secretion. Use of this compound thus not only results in moisturizing of skin but also improves the barrier function of skin. The 2β derivative is 100 times less active than 1,25(OH)₂D₃ making it less effective in these areas.

The data in Table 1 show that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ has high activity relative to that of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, the natural hormone, in stimulating intestinal calcium transport. Also, (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ has significant activity in stimulating intestinal calcium transport, and its activity is about the same as 1,25-(OH)₂D₃.

The data in Table 1 also demonstrate that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ has higher bone calcium mobilization activity, as compared to 1,25-(OH)₂D₃. Also, (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ has significant bone calcium mobilization activity, and its activity is about the same as 1,25-(OH)₂D₃.

A very important feature of these analogs is that they bind poorly or not at all to the vitamin D receptor, while having biological activity either higher than or equal to 1,25-(OH)₂D₃. This suggests that these analogs are pro drugs. That is, they are probably activated in vivo by being 25-hydroxylated. Once 25-hydroxylated, they are then able to bind the vitamin D receptor and provide activity. These results suggest that these compounds might be preferable to the final drug in that they are slowly activated within the body providing a more controlled and prolonged activity.

The data in Table 1 thus illustrate that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ may be characterized as having significant and very potent calcemic activity which is greater than 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, and that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ also has significant and very potent calcemic activity that is about the same as 1,25-(OH)₂D₃.

Competitive binding of the analogs to the porcine intestinal receptor was carried out by the method described by Dame et al. (Biochemistry 25, 4523–4534, 1986).

The differentation of HL-60 promyelocytic into monoctyes was determined as described by Ostrem et al. (J. Boil. Chem. 262, 14164–14171, 1987).

Intestinal calcium transport was determined as described by Perlman et al. (Biochemistry 29, 190–196, 1990).

Interpretation of Data

The in vivo tests to determine serum calcium of rats on a low calcium diet provides an insight to osteoblastic or bone activity of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-20-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃. The data in Table 1 show that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ is significantly more potent than 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in raising calcium in the plasma via the stimulation of the osteoblasts. At the same time, the activity of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ on intestinal calcium transport is also significantly greater than that of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (Table 1). Therefore, these data show (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ to have significant and very potent activity on bone which is higher than 1,25(OH)₂D₃.

The data in Table 1 also show that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ is only slightly less potent than 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in raising calcium in the plasma calcium via the stimulation of the osteoblasts. At the same time, the activity of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ on intestinal calcium transport is about the same as that of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (Table 1). Therefore, these data show (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ to have significant and very potent activity on bone about equal to 1,25(OH)₂D₃.

The compounds Ia and Ib exhibit a desired, and highly advantageous, pattern of biological activity. These compounds are characterized by relatively high intestinal calcium transport activity, as compared to that of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, while also exhibiting relatively high activity, as compared to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, in their ability to mobilize calcium from bone. Hence, these compounds are highly specific in their calcemic activity. Their activity on mobilizing calcium from bone and either high or normal intestinal calcium transport activity allows the in vivo administration of these compounds for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases where bone loss is a major concern. Because of their calcemic activity on bone, these compounds would be preferred therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desired, such as osteoporosis, especially low bone turnover osteoporosis, steroid induced osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis or postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as osteomalacia.

(20S)-1α-Hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ are much less active than 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in binding to the vitamin D receptor (FIG. 1), and they are both also only slightly less active than 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in causing differentiation of the promyelocyte, HL-60, into the monocyte (FIG. 2). This result suggests that both (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ will be very effective in psoriasis because they have direct cellular activity in causing cell differentiation and in suppressing cell growth. It also indicates that they both will have significant activity as an anti-cancer agent, especially against leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as against skin conditions such as dry skin (lack of dermal hydration), undue skin slackness (insufficient skin firmness), insufficient sebum secretion and wrinkles. These results also illustrate that (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ are both excellent candidates for numerous human therapies and that they may be useful in a number of circumstances in addition to cancer and psoriasis such as autoimmune diseases.

Male, weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on Diet 11 (0.47% Ca) diet+AEK for 11 days, followed by Diet 11 (0.02% Ca)+AEK for 31 days. Dosing (i.p.) began 7 days prior to sacrifice. Doses were given on a daily basis, 24 hours apart. The first 10 cm of the intestine was collected for gut transport studies and serum was collected for bone Ca mobilization analysis. The results are reported in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Response of Intestinal Calcium Transport and Serum Calcium (Bone Calcium Mobilization) Activity to Chronic Doses of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ and (20S)-1α-Hydroxy-2α-methyl- 19-nor-vitamin D₃ and (20S)-1α-Hydroxy-2β-methyl-19- nor-vitamin D₃ Amount Ca transport S/M Serum Ca Compound (pmol/day) (mean ± SEM) (mean ± SEM) none (control) 0 4.5 ± 0.40  4.4 ± 0.07 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ 130 5.3 ± 0.42  5.0 ± 0.05 260 6.5 ± 0.84  5.5 ± 0.16 (20S)-1α-(OH)-2α- 130 8.6 ± 0.90 10.0 ± 0.20 methyl-19-nor-D₃ 260 6.7 ± 0.68 12.7 ± 0.15 (20S)-1α-(OH)-2β- 130 6.8 ± 0.73  4.8 ± 0.04 methyl-19-nor-D₃ 260 5.7 ± 0.45  5.1 ± 0.04 *The above data are the average and standard error (SE) from 5 animals.

For treatment purposes, the compounds of this invention defined by formula Ia and Ib may be formulated for pharmaceutical applications as a solution in innocuous solvents, or as an emulsion, suspension or dispersion in suitable solvents or carriers, or as pills, tablets or capsules, together with solid carriers, according to conventional methods known in the art. Any such formulations may also contain other pharmaceutically-acceptable and non-toxic excipients such as stabilizers, anti-oxidants, binders, coloring agents or emulsifying or taste-modifying agents.

The compounds may be administered orally, topically, parenterally or transdermally. The compounds are advantageously administered by injection or by intravenous infusion or suitable sterile solutions, or in the form of liquid or solid doses via the alimentary canal, or in the form of creams, ointments, patches, or similar vehicles suitable for transdermal applications. Doses of from 0.01 μg to 100 μg per day of the compounds are appropriate for treatment purposes, such doses being adjusted according to the disease to be treated, its severity and the response of the subject as is well understood in the art. Since the compounds exhibit specificity of action, each may be suitably administered alone, or together with graded doses of another active vitamin D compound—e.g. 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂ or D₃, or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃—in situations where different degrees of bone mineral mobilization and calcium transport stimulation is found to be advantageous.

Compositions for use in the above-mentioned treatments comprise an effective amount of the (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ or (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2β-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ as defined by the above formula Ia and Ib as the active ingredient, and a suitable carrier. An effective amount of such compound for use in accordance with this invention is from about 0.01 μg to about 100 μg per gm of composition, and may be administered topically, transdermally, orally or parenterally in dosages of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 100 μg/day.

The compounds may be formulated as creams, lotions, ointments, topical patches, pills, capsules or tablets, or in liquid form as solutions, emulsions, dispersions, or suspensions in pharmaceutically innocuous and acceptable solvent or oils, and such preparations may contain in addition other pharmaceutically innocuous or beneficial components, such as stabilizers, antioxidants, emulsifiers, coloring agents, binders or taste-modifying agents.

The compounds are advantageously administered in amounts sufficient to effect the differentiation of promyelocytes to normal macrophages. Dosages as described above are suitable, it being understood that the amounts given are to be adjusted in accordance with the severity of the disease, and the condition and response of the subject as is well understood in the art.

The formulations of the present invention comprise an active ingredient in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulations and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be in the form of discrete units as capsules, sachets, tablets or lozenges, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; in the form of a powder or granules; in the form of a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or non-aqueous liquid; or in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion.

Formulations for rectal administration may be in the form of a suppository incorporating the active ingredient and carrier such as cocoa butter, or in the form of an enema.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise a sterile oily or aqueous preparation of the active ingredient which is preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient.

Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi-liquid preparations such as liniments, lotions, applicants, oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions such as creams, ointments or pastes; or solutions or suspensions such as drops; or as sprays.

For asthma treatment, inhalation of powder, self-propelling or spray formulations, dispensed with a spray can, a nebulizer or an atomizer can be used. The formulations, when dispensed, preferably have a particle size in the range of 10 to 100μ.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in dosage unit form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. By the term “dosage unit” is meant a unitary, i.e. a single dose which is capable of being administered to a patient as a physically and chemically stable unit dose comprising either the active ingredient as such or a mixture of it with solid or liquid pharmaceutical diluents or carriers. 

1. A method of treating a metabolic bone disease where it is desired to maintain or increase bone mass comprising orally administering to a patient with said disease an effective amount of (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ having the formula:


2. The method of claim 1 wherein (20S)-1α-hydroxy-2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D₃ is administered in a dosage of from about 0.01 μg/day to about 100 μg/day.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the disease is senile osteoporosis.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the disease is postmenopausal osteoporosis.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the disease is steroid-induced osteoporosis.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the disease is low bone turnover osteoporosis.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the disease is osteomalacia. 